Radio telephone apparatus

ABSTRACT

A radio telephone apparatus power-supplied with a battery comprises a power supply control .[.means.]. for controlling the battery so as to terminate power supply if the apparatus is not operated for a predetermined time period. The apparatus further comprises .[.means.]. .Iadd.an alerting device .Iaddend.for informing .[.at least.]. a user of the termination of power supply prior to the power being turned off.

.Iadd.This application is a continuation of application Ser. No.08/281,678, filed Jun. 10, 1990; which is a continuation of Ser. No.07/894,625, filed Jun. 5, 1992, now abandoned. .Iaddend.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of radio telephone apparatussuch as mobile telephones, portable telephones, cordless telephones, orthe like and more specifically to radio telephones in which power issupplied with a battery.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Recently various kinds of radio telephone have been developed. One ofthese is generally referred to as a mobile telephone. The mobile radiotelephone, which may be mounted in a car, a train, a ship or the like,comprises a transceiver unit with an antenna and telephone unitincluding a handset and a base unit. These units are physicallyseparated and are connected by signal lines to one other.

Another kind of radio telephone is referred to as a portable telephone.Portable telephones may be further divided into two groups: atransportable type and a handheld type. In the transportable type ofportable radio telephone, a transceiver unit is combined into a mainunit of a telephone unit and an antenna is attached to the main unit;consequently a user may carry the transportable telephone wherever theuser goes. In the handheld type of portable radio telephone, allcomponents are compacted into one unit which may be held in the hand ofa user. All of these radio telephones are supplied power from a battery.Differentiated from the kinds of radio telephone mentioned above, thereis yet a further kind of radio telephone, namely a cordless telephone.The cordless telephone has one or more base units connected to one ormore land lines and one or more handheld units. The handheld unitcommunicates with another telephone apparatus by first establishing aradio channel with the base unit. The handheld unit of a cordlesstelephone is also supplied power with a battery.

Generally, it is required to reduce consumption of electric power in aradio telephone since a battery installed therein or in a vehicle has alimited power capacity.

In the case of a mobile telephone in a car, a battery mounted in the caris rechargeable as long as the car runs. However when the car ignitionis turned off and the car is parked the user may leave the mobiletelephone turned on by entering a certain command on the key pad. Insuch a situation, the mobile telephone consumes the power of the batterywastefully. The power consumption may drain the battery to the extentthat the car will not start.

Another problem unsolved by prior art mobile telephone apparatus isintroduced when the automobile is removed from the serving area of themobile telephone service provider. In such a situation, the apparatusmay continue to drain battery energy even though the mobile telephoneapparatus may be useless.

In the case of either a portable telephone or a hand-held unit ofcordless telephone, the consumption of battery power is a more seriousproblem because these have only a limited power capacity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide animproved radio telephone apparatus capable of conserving battery power.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improvedradio telephone apparatus in which power supply is automatically cut offif a user does not operate it for a predetermined time period.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide animproved radio telephone apparatus in which a user may be informed thatpower supply will be cut off to conserve battery power.

To achieve one or more of the objects, as embodied and described herein,the invention comprises transmitting means for transmitting signals overa first radio channel; receiving means for receiving signals sent over asecond radio channel; input means responsive to a user's actuation forinputting data associated with the operation of said transmitting meansand said receiving means; power supply means for supplying saidtransmitting means and said receiving means with electric power; signalgenerating means responsive to the input at said input means forgenerating a flag signal; detecting means for detecting the presence orthe absence of the flag signal within predetermined time interval;counting means for counting how many times said detecting means detectsthe absence of the flag signal continuously; alarming means for alarmingat least one user of the apparatus when a count value counted by saidcounting means exceeds a first predetermined value.

Additionally, to achieve one or more of the objects, as embodied anddescribed herein, the invention comprises transmitting means fortransmitting signals over a first radio channel; receiving means forreceiving signals sent over a second radio channel; input meansresponsive to an user's operation for inputting data; control means forcontrolling said transmitting means and said receiving means in responseto the data input by said input means; power supply means for supplyingsaid transmitting means, said receiving means, said input means, andsaid control means with electric power; time measuring means formeasuring time passage from the time when said input means is operatedlastly; and alarming means for alarming at least one user of theapparatus in response to the passage of time measured by said measuringmeans exceeding a first predetermined time period.

Furthermore to achieve one or more of the objects, as embodied anddescribed herein, the invention comprises transmitting means fortransmitting signals over a first radio channel;

receiving means for receiving signals transmitted over a second radiochannel; input means responsive to a user's operation for inputting dataassociated with the operation of said transmitting means and saidreceiving means; power supply means for supplying said transmittingmeans, said receiving means, and said input means with power; powersupply control means for controlling said power supply means so as toterminate the supply of power when a predetermined time period passesfrom the time when said input means is operated lastly.

The problems and related problems of prior art radio telephone apparatusare solved by the principles of the present invention. The user iswarned of impending power turn-off to their radio telephone apparatusbefore power is turned off. Power is automatically turned off to theradio telephone apparatus whenever the telephone is idle for apredetermined period of time. The power is turned off in a two stepprocess wherein the user is first warned after a period of non-usage ofthe telephone of the impending turning off of power. Then the power isfinally turned off after a second predetermined time period.Furthermore, the present apparatus may be integrated into the structuralcomponents of an automobile, i.e., into the dashboard comprising visualand audible warning devices, and the automobile's warning controlsystems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an arrangement of a mobile telephoneapparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an automobile showing theinstallation of mobile telephone apparatus therein;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a radio unit in the mobile telephoneapparatus;

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of a telephone set;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of an algorithm showing the operation of powersupply control according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of and algorithm showing the operation of powersupply control according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram showing the control of the supply toradio section 310 according to either the algorithm of FIG. 5 or 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A preferred embodiment of the present invention, applied in a mobiletelephone, will be described with reference to the accompanyingdrawings. The invention may be likewise applied in any other kind ofradio telephone apparatus including but not limited to portabletelephones or cordless telephones.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an arrangement of a mobile telephoneapparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, mobile telephone apparatus 100 comprises antenna201, radio unit 300, and telephone unit 400. As shown in FIG. 2, antenna201 is mounted on an outer body surface of automobile 200. Telephoneunit 400 is mounted near driver's seat 204 inside automobile 200.

Radio unit 300 mainly comprises radio section 310 for establishing afirst and a second radio channel 800 with a base station (not shown)through antenna 201 and for exchanging signals therewith, radio unitcontroller 330 for controlling the overall operations of the apparatus,voice dial/response circuit 350 for performing speech recognition andsynthesis and for storing speech pattern signals, ID ROM 370 for storingID (Identification Number) and telephone numbers, and power source 390for supplying power from battery 206 (FIG. 2) mounted in the automobileto the above components through fuse 208.

Telephone unit 400 mainly comprises handset controller 418 forcontrolling the overall operations of telephone unit 400 in response toinstructions or the like from radio unit controller 330, key unit 430for entering key inputs, display unit 450 for displaying numerical oralphabetical characters in response to the control of handset controller418, switches 470 for performing various switching operations, andselectable audio input/output units 490 a or b for inputting oroutputting an audible sound. Telephone unit 400 may be divided into mainunit 400a and handset 400b. Microphone 494 may be a hands-freemicrophone mounted on sun visor 210 or the like near driver's seat 204and is connected to main unit 400a. Together, microphone 494 and speaker492 comprise a hands-free handset 410a. Loud speaker 492 may be mountedin main unit 400a. Handset controller 418, key unit 430, and displayunit 450 are mounted in handset 400b. Handset microphone 496 and handsetreceiver 498 constitute audio input/output unit 490b of handset 400b.

Each section of radio unit 300, main unit 400a, and handset 400b issupplied power by way of a power line 1005 extending from power source390 in radio unit 300. The opened or closed status of switches 470 istransmitted to power source 390 or radio unit controller 330 by way ofline 1000 or line 1001, respectively. Control or command signals aretransmitted between handset controller 418 and radio unit controller 330by way of line 1002. Audio signals are transmitted by way of lines 1003.Radio unit controller 330 sends control signals to audio input/outputunit 490a, by way of lines 1004.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a detailed arrangement of the radiounit of FIG. 1.

Referring to FIG. 3, radio section 310 comprises demodulator 312,modulator 314, power amplifier 316, and duplexer 318 and synthesizer320. Demodulator 312 demodulates a radio signal received from the basestation through radio channels 800, antenna 201, and duplexer 318. Itshould be noted that this signal includes audible sound signals andcontrol signals. Modulator 314 modulates the audio and control signalsand the like from audio controller 330 and generates transmissionsignals.

Power amplifier 316 amplifies the transmission signals from modulator314. The amplification of power amplifier 316 is variable, e.g., 8-stepvariable. Duplexer 318 sends the signals received through radio channel800 and antenna 201, to demodulator 312, and the signals from modulator314 and power amplifier 316, to antenna 201. Synthesizer 320 comprises achannel selection local oscillator and specifies a frequency from whichsignals are demodulated by demodulator 312 and a frequency to whichsignals are modulated by modulator 314. About 666 channels are availablefor synthesizer 320.

Radio unit controller 330 comprises CPU 331, oscillator/frequencydivider 332, address decoder 333, ROM 334, RAM 335, radio controller336, audio circuit 337, control signal processor 338, audio controller339, digital interface 340, power controller 341, and interruptcontroller 342. Reference numeral 343 denotes a data bus; 344, anaddress bus; and 345, a control bus. CPU 331 controls the operations ofradio unit controller 330. Oscillator/frequency divider 332 suppliesclock signals to CPU 331 and divides the clock signals so as to supplyappropriately frequency-divided pulses as timing pulses to each sectionof the mobile telephone apparatus requiring them. Address decoder 333outputs predetermined operation signals to the components in response toinstruction signals from CPU 331. ROM 334 stores various programsrequired for operations by CPU 331. RAM 335 stores various kinds of dataduring processing of CPU 331. Radio controller 336 controls radiosection 310 in response to an instruction from CPU 331. For example,radio controller 336 sends signals indicative of available frequenciesto the synthesizer 320, signals indicative of an amplification level topower amplifier 316, and signals indicative of modulation parameters tomodulator 314. Radio controller 336 receives a step-out signal fromsynthesizer 320 and output power detection signals from power amplifier316 and supplies them to CPU 331, thereby preventing operation errors.Audio circuit 337 extracts control signals and audio signals from thereceived signals demodulated by demodulator 312 and supplies the controlsignals to control signal processor 338 and the audio signals to voicedial/response circuit 350 and telephone unit 400. Audio circuit 337 alsosupplies, the control signals from control signal processor 338 andaudio signals from telephone set 400 and voice dial/response circuit 350to modulator 314. It should be noted that audio circuit 337 alsoarranges the signal form of the control signal to be sent to controlsignal processor 338 in a particular wave format and filters the controlsignal to be supplied to modulator 314. Control signal processor 338acquires bit and frame synchronization with the control signal fromaudio circuit 337. Maintaining the acquired synchronization, controlsignal processor 338 converts the serial control signals includingcontrol data received from a base station into parallel signals andconverts the parallel control data signals to be transmitted to a basestation into serial signals the control signals are sent to and from thebase station via audio circuit 337. Audio circuit controller 339controls audio circuit 337. For example, under the control of audiocircuit controller 339, audio circuit 337 selectively applies thereceived signals from demodulator 312 to control signal processor 338,to voice dial/response circuit 350, and to telephone unit 400 andselectively receives the signals from control signal processor 338,voice dial/response circuit 350, or telephone unit 400. Digitalinterface 340 interfaces data communication between radio unit 300 andtelephone unit 400. Power controller 341 controls power source 390. Forexample, power controller 341 sets a voltage supplied from battery 206to power source 390 to a predetermined level. The voltage having thepredetermined level is supplied to the respective components. Interruptcontroller 342 interrupts CPU 331 in response to an interrupt signalfrom each component.

FIG. 4 is a further detailed view of the telephone unit 400 describedabove.

Referring to FIG. 4, main unit 400a mainly comprises audio controller410, speech input/output unit 490a, and switch unit 470. Audiocontroller 410 mainly comprises balanced-to-unbalanced (B/U) converter411, unbalanced-to-balanced (U/B) converter 412, amplifiers 413 and 414,echo canceler 415, and switches 416 and 417. Speech input/output unit490a comprises hands-free microphone 494 and loudspeaker 492. Switchunit 470 comprises hook switch 472 and on/off switch 474.

Balanced line to unbalanced line converter 411 converts the speechsignals sent from audio circuit 337 in radio unit 300 through balancedline 411a into signals on unbalanced line 411b. The speech signalsconverted into the signals on unbalanced line 411b are amplified byamplifier 413 and output via loudspeaker 492. Since the speech signalsoutput from the audio circuit in the radio unit are signals on anunbalanced line, the speech signals are converted into signals on thebalanced line by U/B converter 337a arranged in an immediate outputstage of the audio circuit 337. The speech signals input at hands-freemicrophone 494, amplified by amplifier 414, and appearing on unbalancedline 412a are converted into signals on balanced line 412b. The speechsignals converted into the signals on balanced line 412b are sent toaudio circuit 337 through balanced line 412b. The speech signal inputsto audio circuit 337 in radio unit 300 are signals on the unbalancedline, so that the speech signals ar converted into signals on theunbalanced line by B/U converter 337b arranged in the immediate inputstage of audio circuit 337.

Echo canceller 415 comprises attenuator 415a for attenuating the speechsignal input from B/U converter 411 to amplifier 413, attenuationcontroller 415b for controlling an attenuation rate of attenuator 415a,attenuator 415c for attenuating the speech signal input from theamplifier 414 to U/B converter 412, attenuation controller 415d forcontrolling an attenuation rate of attenuator 415c, and control amountcalculator 415e for calculating control amounts of attenuationcontrollers 415b and 415d on the basis of the speech signal on therespective lines. Switch 416 is operated to select the speech signalfrom B/U converter 411 is to be output from loudspeaker 492. Switch 417is operated to select the speech signal from hands-free microphone 494is sent to audio circuit 337 in radio unit 300. The operation ofswitches 416 and 417 are performed on the basis of control signalsoutput from radio unit controller 330. Hook switch 472 detects the on-or off-hook state of handset 400b. The detected signal is sent to radiounit controller 330 (FIG. 1) in radio unit 300 via digital interface340. On/off switch 474 performs overall ON/OFF operation of mobiletelephone apparatus 100. A switching signal from switch 474 is sent toradio unit controller 330 in radio unit 300 via digital interface 340.

Handset 400b comprises handset controller 418, display unit 450, keyunit 430, and speech input/output unit 490b. Display unit 450 comprisesliquid crystal display 452 and LCD driver 454. Key unit 430 comprises aplurality of keys which may be arranged in a key pad. Speechinput/output unit 490b (not shown in FIG. 4) comprises amplifiers 419a,419b, and 419c, an attenuator 420, U/B converter 421, speech switch unit422, and switches 423 and 424, handset microphone 496, and handsetreceiver 498. Handset controller 418 controls the overall operations ofhandset 400b on the basis of control signals sent from radio unitcontroller 330 in radio unit 300. At the same time, handset controller418 sends control signals or the like input from key unit 430 to radiounit controller 330 in radio unit 300 via digital interface 340.Amplifiers 419a and 419b amplify the speech signal sent from the B/Uconverter 411 in main unit 400a. Attenuator 420 attenuates the speechsignals amplified by amplifiers 419a and 419b. The speech signal outputthrough amplifier 419a, attenuator 420, and amplifier 419b is outputfrom handset receiver 498. Amplifier 419c amplifies the speech signalinput from handset microphone 496. U/B converter 421 converts theamplified speech signals on unbalanced line 421a into signals onbalanced line 421b. The speech signal converted into the signal onbalanced line 421b is sent to audio circuit 337 through balanced line421b and balanced line 421c. Switch 423 is operated to select the speechsignal from B/U converter 411 is to be output from handset receiver 498.Switch 424 is operated to select the speech signal from handsetmicrophone 496 is to be output to audio circuit 337 in radio unit 300.The operation of switches 423 and 424 are performed on the basis of thecontrol signal output from handset controller 418 and are interlockedwith switches 416 and 417 in main unit 400a.

In a standby mode of mobile telephone apparatus 100, all switches 416,417, 423 and 424 are turned off. In a sound generation mode for a keyinput, switch 416 is turned on, and switches 417, 423 and 424 are turnedoff. When handset 400b is used for communication in the off-hook state,switches 416 and 417 are turned on, and switches 423 and 424 are turnedoff. Speech switch unit 422 comprises level detector 422a, OR gate 422b,and switch 422c. Level detector 422a detects a signal level of speechsignal input to handset microphone 496. If the signal level is less thana predetermined value, level detector 422a generates a signal of level"L". However, if the signal level exceeds the predetermined value, leveldetector 422a generates a signal of level "H". OR gate 422b receives anoutput signal L or H from level detector 422a and a predeterminedcontrol signal output from controller 418 and generates an output signalwhen either input is present. Switch 422c is turned on in response tothe signal of level "L" from OR gate 422b, and speech signal line 421ais grounded. The speech signal from handset microphone 496 is nottransmitted to audio circuit 337, and handset microphone 496 is set inthe OFF state. Switch 422c is turned off in response to the signal oflevel "H" from the OR gate 422b, and the handset microphone 496 is setin the ON state. The control signal input from controller 418 to oneinput terminal of OR gate 422b is set at level "L" in the standby modeand during normal communication and at level "H" in the voicerecognition mode allowing voice dialing. Therefore, when no voice isinput to handset microphone 496 in the busy state, handset microphone496 is set in the OFF state. Therefore, noise in the automobile 200 isnot sent to the other party, thereby comfortable communication can beachieved.

Liquid crystal display 452 comprises a numerical display element 452ahaving several display digit positions and display element 452b fordisplaying various functions. LCD driver 454 drives liquid crystaldisplay 452 under the control of handset controller 418 to displaynumerical or alphabetical characters. Key unit 430 includes keysincluding at least numerical keys "0" to "9" as well as function keys"*", "#", "SND", "STO", "END", "RCL", "FCN", "CLR", "EMR", "MUTE", and"TONE". When a desired key pad is depressed, the depressed key isdetected by handset controller 418.

Next, the operation for power supply control in this embodiment will bedescribed in detail with reference to FIG. 5.

Referring to FIG. 5, after on/off switch 474 in main unit 400a is turnedon by a user (step 501), handset controller 418 in handset 400bdetermines whether any key is operated at key unit 430 within a firstpredetermined period: t₁ (steps 504, 506). Namely, if at least one keyis operated, a flag indicative of key operation is set at a register418a in handset controller 418. A processor 418b of controller 418checks whether the flag is set or not (step 504). This check is madeperiodically, for example at 8msec intervals. In the case that at leastone key is operated, handset controller 418 continues to perform theperiodical check. On the other hand, in the case that the flag is notset when the flag register is checked the processor 418b of handsetcontroller 418 increments a count value at a register A 418a in handsetcontroller 418 (step 505). Thus, this count value, which is zero in aninitial state (step 502), shows how many times the check was madecontinuously without detecting the flag being set and is stored inregister A 418c. And, in step 506, it is determined whether the countvalue exceeds a first predetermined value: X, which is read from RAM 335by CPU 331, transmitted via digital interface 340 and line 1002 tohandset controller 418, and stored in register B 418d in advance (step502). If the count value neither exceeds nor equals the firstpredetermined value X the operation of handset controller 418 returns tostep 504. The above mentioned value counted by the processor 418b ofcontroller 418 is reset to zero when the setting of the flag indicativeof key operation is detected at step 504. If the count value exceeds orequals the first predetermined value X in step 506, the operationproceeds to step 507. In step 507, handset controller 418 controls LCDdriver 454 to drive liquid crystal device 452. Thereby liquid crystaldevice 452 is lit by the control of handset controller 418 so that analarm message, for example, "POWER TURNED OFF SOON. PRESS ANY ONE KEY"is displayed. In this embodiment, since a number of digits for displayin display unit 450 is limited to ten digits, sentences or phrases ofthe alarm messages are properly divided into groups of words and thegroups of words are sequentially and continuously displayed on liquidcrystal device 452. Also simultaneously a beep tone may be generated viareceiver 498 or speaker 492 under control of handset controller 418 andCPU 331. The beep tone may continue as long as the alarm message isdisplayed or may be generated only at the time that the alarm message isoriginally displayed. If a user stands by the apparatus and presses anyone key thereof, the flag indicative of key operation is set. Thesetting of the flag will be detected in step 508 discussed below.

After the lighting of display 450, the operation proceeds to step 508.In steps 508-510, handset controller 418 determines whether any key isoperated at key unit 430 within a second predetermined period t₂. If atleast one key is operated, the flag indicative of key operation is setat the register F 418a in handset controller 418. The processor ofhandset controller 418 checks whether the flag is set or not (step 508).This check is made periodically as mentioned before. In the case that atleast one key is operated, handset controller 418 controls LCD driver454 so that liquid crystal device 452 stops lighting (step 511) and thecount value in register A 418c is reset to zero (step 503). After that,the operation proceeds to step 504. On the other hand, if the flag isnot set when the flag register is checked the processor 418b of handsetcontroller 418 increments the count value in register A 418c and theoperation proceeds to step 510. In step 510, it is determined whetherthe count value exceeds a second predetermined value Y, which is readfrom RAM 335 by CPU 331, transmitted via digital interface 340 and line1002 to handset controller 418, and stored in register C 418e in advance(step 502) or not. If the count value neither exceeds nor equals thesecond predetermined value, the operation returns to step 508. If thecount value exceeds or equals the second predetermined value Y in step510, the operation proceeds to step 512. In step 512, handset controller418 sends a signal indicative of automatic power supply termination toradio unit controller 330 by way of line 1002. The signal is input toCPU 331 via digital interface 340. Responsive to this signal, CPU 331sends a power supply termination signal to power controller 341 controlbus 345. Power controller 341 responsive to the termination signalcontrols power source 390 so that the power supply to respectivesections of each unit is cut off. Thereby all the power supply to eachunit of this mobile telephone is terminated. It should be noted that auser may easily reset the apparatus from the state in which the powersupply is automatically cut off for battery saving by activatingswitches 474.

Next the second embodiment of the algorithm for power supply controlwill be described with reference to FIG. 6.

After on/off switch 474 in main unit 400a is turned on by a user (step601), CPU 331 in radio unit controller 330 sets an internal timerthereof to zero (step 602). The internal timer is a free running timerclocked in response to a clock pulse signal supplied fromoscillator/frequency divider 332. Then, whether any key is operated atkey 430 or not is detected by handset controller 418 (step 603). In thecase that at least one key is operated at key pad 430, handsetcontroller 418 sends a detection signal to CPU 331 via digital interface340 connected therewith by way of lines 1002. Responsive to thedetection signal, CPU 331 sets the timer again (step 602). In the casethat the time, which is measured by the internal timer of CPU 331,exceeds a first predetermined time period t₁ without receiving thedetection signal (step 604), CPU 331 sends a display command signal tohandset controller 418 via digital interface 340. Responsive to thedisplay command signal, handset controller 418 controls display unit 450so that alarm messages are displayed at liquid crystal device 452. Also,CPU 331 sends a sounding command signal to audio circuit controller 339.Responsive to the sounding command signal, audio circuit controller 339controls audio circuit 338 so that a pulse signal supplied to audiocircuit 337 from oscillator/frequency divider 332 is transmitted tospeaker 492 in main unit 400a or receiver 498 in handset 400b by way oflines 1003 for sounding a beep tone. As described above, alarmindications may be both visually and acoustically made (step 605). Afterthe alarm indication is turned on, CPU 331 waits for the detectionsignal from handset controller 418 again (step 606). Receiving thedetection signal, CPU 331 sends stop command signals to handsetcontroller 418 and audio circuit controller 39. Responsive to the stopcommand signals, handset controller 418 controls display unit 450 toterminate the alarm display. Also, audio circuit controller 339 controlsaudio circuit 337 so as to terminate the supply of the pulse signal forsounding a beep tone. In the case that the time measured by the internaltimer of CPU 331 exceeds a second predetermined time period t₂ withoutreceiving the detection signal (step 607), CPU 331 sends a controlsignal indicative of power supply termination to power supply controller341 via control bus 345. Responsive to the termination signal, powercontroller 341 controls power source 390 so that the power supply torespective sections of each unit is cut off (step 609).

In the above mentioned embodiment, while an indication to a user is madeby displaying an alarm message or generating a beep tone, a voicemessage, for example, "PLEASE PRESS ANY ONE KEY, OR POWER WILL BE TURNEDOFF SOON" may be artificially synthesized on the basis of prestored dataor may be reproduced on the basis of recorded data which have beenstored in advance by the user from a speech synthesis unit installed invoice dial/response circuit 350.

Furthermore, while power supply to all units of the apparatus isterminated when a certain time period passes in the above-mentionedembodiment, only the power supply to a transmission section fortransmitting signals in radio section 310 may be terminated. In thismodification of the above described embodiments, the path of powersupply for radio section 310 is divided into two paths 701, 702 as shownin FIG. 7. Transmission section 703 including modulator 314 and poweramplifier 316 is supplied power by way of path 702 and the othersections in radio section 310 are supplied power by way of path 701.Power controller 341 cuts off only path 702 for transmission section 703continuing the power supply for the other sections or units in responseto the termination signal. According to this modification, when someoneis near the apparatus besides an owner, the person may still receive acall from others. Consequently, a user of the apparatus, prevented frommaking a call for a long time, may only receive a call from otherssaving the battery power. If a call is received and the user responds tothe call by hanging up handset 400b or pressing send key, CPU 331detects the status and controls power controller 341 so that powersupply to transmission section 703 is resumed.

Still further, while the timer is reset in response to the operation ofat least one key of key unit 430 in the above mentioned embodiment, itmay be further reset in response to the closure of hook switch 472, suchas when handset 400b is returned to a carriage (not shown). In the firstembodiment, for example, the state when hook switch 472 is closed isdetected by audio radio unit controller 330 in radio unit 300 by way ofline 1001. Responsive to a detection signal of the on-hook state fromradio unit controller 330, handset controller 418 sets the flagindicative of key operation.

Although an embodiment applied to a mobile telephone apparatus has beendescribed, it is apparent to those skilled in this art that thisinvention may be easily applied to any transportable type radiotelephone or handheld type radio telephone that is battery powered. Inthe case of a transportable type radio telephone, radio unit 300 andantenna 201 are incorporated into a casing of main unit 400a oftelephone unit 400, and thereby the telephone unit including radio unitand antenna is capable of being carried by a user. In the case of ahandheld type radio telephone or a mobile unit of a cordless telephone,telephone unit 400, radio unit 300, and antenna 201 are combinedtogether in a single casing. The essential features of this inventionare applicable to all such cases. Furthermore, the scope of thisinvention is not limited to the application in a radio telephone capableof being connected to a land-line telephone such as a cellular radiotelephone in a cellular radio system but any application of a radiotelephone using radio channels falls within the scope of this invention.

Furthermore, this invention may be applicable to an automobilecontroller controlling input and display unit disposed separately from amain unit of a radio telephone apparatus and any kind of processing unitwith the same function as mentioned falls within the scope of thisinvention.

The first and second predetermined time periods t₁ and t₂ may be ofdifferent durations. It basically depends on the situation. In the caseof a mobile telephone, for example, t₁ may be appropriately two hoursand t₂ two hours and three minutes. In portable telephones, for example,t₁ may be appropriately one hour and t₂, one hour and one minute. It ismore important to reduce the battery power consumption in a portabletelephone. Also t₁ and t₂ may be of the same duration. In that case, ifa user stands by the apparatus and wishes the apparatus to be operativeafter the power supply is automatically cut off to save battery power,he has to reactivate the power on/off switch instead of operating anykey or a hook switch. Furthermore, a user is able to reset the first andsecond predetermined time period t₁ and t₂ for themselves. In the abovedescribed embodiment, a user may reset them by performing a certainorder of key input at key units 430 as to change the count value of Xand Y corresponding to t₁ and t₂, prestored in RAM 335. For example, tochange the count value of X, the user may press keys: FCN, 8, 0, *, 1,0, *. In this case responsive to the key input of FCN, 8, 0, handsetcontroller 418 recognizes that the user's request of changing the countvalue X and responsive to the key input of 1, 0 between * and *, handsetcontroller 418 changes the count value X in RAM 335 to a valuecorresponding to 10 hours.

We claim: .[.1. Radio telephone apparatus comprising: at said inputmeans..]..[.11. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said secondpredetermined value is programmable responsive to a certain order ofinput at said input means..]..[.12. Radio telephone apparatuscomprising:transmitting means for transmitting signals over a firstradio channel; receiving means for receiving signals transmitted over asecond radio channel; input means responsive to a user's operation forinputting data associated with the operation of said transmitting meansand said receiving means; control means for controlling saidtransmitting means and said receiving means in response to the datainputted by said input means; power supply means for supply saidtransmitting means, said receiving means, and said control means withelectric power; time measuring means for measuring time passage from thetime when any input of said input means is operated lastly; and alarmingmeans for alarming at least one user of the apparatus in response to thetime passage measured by said measuring means exceeding a firstpredetermined time period..]..[.13. The apparatus of claim 12 whereinsaid power supply means terminates power supply at least to saidtransmitting means when the time passage measured by said measuringmeans exceeds a second predetermined time period..]..[.14. The apparatusof claim 13 wherein the first predetermined time is the same as thesecond predetermined time..]..[.15. The apparatus of claim 13 whereinthe second predetermined time period is longer than the firstpredetermined time period..]..[.16. The apparatus of claim 12 whereinsaid alarming means comprises means for generating sounds..]..[.17. Theapparatus of claim 16 wherein the sound generating means comprisesspeech synthesis means for synthesizing predetermined speechpatterns..]..[.18. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the alarming meanscomprises a visual display unit for displaying at least one alarmmessage..]..[.19. The apparatus for claim 12 wherein said input meanscomprises a key pad for entering numerical data or commanddata..]..[.20. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said input meanscomprises a hook switch for detecting an on-hook or off-hookstate..]..[.21. Radio telephone apparatus comprising transmitting meansfor transmitting signals over a first radio channel; receiving means forreceiving signals transmitted over a second radio channel; keyboardinput means comprising a plurality of keys responsive to a user'soperation for inputting data associated with the operation of saidtransmitting means and said receiving means; power supply means forsupplying said transmitting means and said receiving means with power;power supply control means for controlling said power supply means toterminate said power supplied from said power supply means when apredetermined time period passes from the time when any one key of saidplurality of keys of said keyboard input means is operatedlastly..]..[.22. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein power supply controlmeans controls said power supply means so as to terminate power supplyat least to said transmitting means..]..[.23. A method of terminatingpower for use in a radio telephone apparatus, comprising the steps of:setting a count in a memory to zero; periodically sensing an actuationof a key of the apparatus; incrementing the count if no actuation ofsaid key is sensed; determining if the count exceeds a firstpredetermined number; and alarming a user of the apparatus if the countexceeds the first predetermined number..]..[.24. The method of claim 23further comprises the steps of determining if the count exceeds a secondpredetermined number and terminating power supply at least to atransmitter if the count exceeds the second predeterminednumber..]..[.25. A method of terminating power for use in a radiotelephone apparatus, comprising the steps of: sensing an actuation of akey of the apparatus; starting the measurement of time each time theactuation of a key is sensed; determining if the measured time exceeds afirst predetermined time period; alarming a user of the apparatus if themeasured time exceeds the first predetermined time period..]..[.26. Themethod of claim 25 further comprises the steps of determining if themeasured time exceeds a second predetermined time period and terminatingpower supply at least to a transmitter if the measured time exceeds thesecond predetermined time period..]..[.27. Power terminating apparatusfor use with a radio telephone apparatus comprising: input meansresponsive to a user's operation for inputting data associated with theoperation of said radio telephone apparatus; time measuring means formeasuring time passage from the time when said input means is operatedlastly; control means for generating an alarm signal in response to thetime passage measured by said time measuring means exceeding a firstpredetermined time period; and indicating means responsive to said alarmsignal for indicating the termination of power supply to said radiotelephone apparatus..]..[.28. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein saidcontrol means further generates a power terminating signal forterminating power supply to said radio telephone apparatus in responseto the time passage measured by said measuring means exceeding a secondpredetermined time period..]..[.29. The apparatus of claim 27 whereinsaid alarming means comprises means for generating sounds..]..[.30. Theapparatus of claim 29 wherein the sound generating means comprisesspeech synthesis means for synthesizing predetermined speechpatterns..]..[.31. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein said alarming meanscomprises a visual display means for displaying at least one alarmmessage..]..[.32. Radio telephone apparatus comprising: transmittingmeans for transmitting signals over at least one radio channel;receiving means for receiving signals sent over at least one radiochannel; input means responsive to user's operation for inputting dataassociated with the operation of said transmitting means and saidreceiving means; power supply means for supplying said transmittingmeans and said receiving means with electric power; signal generatingmeans responsive to any input at said input means for generating a flagsignal; detecting means for detecting the presence or absence of saidflag signal at a predetermined interval; counting means for counting howmany times said detecting means detects the absence of said flag signalcontinuously; and control means coupled to said counting means forcontrolling said power supply means so that said power supplied to atleast said transmitting means is terminated when a count value countedby said counting means exceeds a first predetermined value..]..[.33. Theapparatus of claim 32 further comprising alerting means for alerting auser of the apparatus when the count value counted by said countingmeans exceeds a second predetermined value..]..[.34. The apparatus ofclaim 33 wherein the first predetermined value is the same as the secondpredetermined value..]..[.35. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein thefirst predetermined value is larger than the second predeterminedvalue..]..[.36. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein said alerting meanscomprises means for generating sounds..]..[.37. The apparatus of claim36 wherein the sound generating means comprises speech synthesis meansfor synthesizing predetermined speech patterns..]..[.38. The apparatusof claim 33 wherein the alerting means comprises a visual display unitfor displaying at least one alarm message..]..[.39. The apparatus ofclaim 32 wherein said input means comprises a key pad for enteringnumerical data or command data..]..[.40. The apparatus of claim 32wherein said input means comprises a hook switch for detecting anon-hook or off-hook state..]..[.41. The apparatus of claim 32 whereinsaid first predetermined value is programmably responsive to a certainorder of input at said input means..]..[.42. The apparatus of claim 33wherein said second predetermined value is programmably responsive to acertain order of input at said input means..]..[.43. Radio telephoneapparatus comprising:transmitting means for transmitting signals over atleast one radio channel; receiving means for receiving signalstransmitted over at least one radio channel; input means responsive tothe user's operation for inputting data associated with the operation ofsaid transmitting means and said receiving means; control means forcontrolling said transmitting means and said receiving means in responseto the data input by said input means; power supply means for supplyingsaid transmitting means, said receiving means, and said control meanswith electric power; time measuring means for measuring time passageform the time when any input of said input means is operated lastly; andpower supply control means coupled to said time measuring means forcontrolling said power supply means so that power supply is terminatedto at least said transmitting means in response to the time passagemeasured by said measuring means exceeding a first predetermined timeperiod..]..[.44. The apparatus of claim 43 further comprising alertingmeans for alerting a user of the apparatus when the time passagemeasured by said measuring means exceeds a second predetermined timeperiod..]..[.45. The apparatus of claim 44 wherein the firstpredetermined time is the same as the second predeterminedtime..]..[.46. The apparatus of claim 44 wherein the first predeterminedtime period is longer than the second predetermined timeperiod..]..[.47. The apparatus of claim 44 wherein said alarming meanscomprises means for generating sounds..]..[.48. The apparatus of claim47 wherein the sound generating means comprises speech synthesis meansfor synthesizing predetermined speech patterns..]..[.49. The apparatusof claim 44 wherein the alerting means comprises a visual display unitfor displaying at least one alarm message..]..[.50. The apparatus ofclaim 43 wherein said input means comprises a key pad for enteringnumerical data or command data..]..[.51. The apparatus of claim 43wherein said input means comprises a hook switch for detecting anon-hook or off-hook state..]..[.52. A method of terminating power foruse in a radio telephone apparatus with a transmitter, comprising thesteps of:setting a count in a memory to zero; periodically sensing anactuation of any input key of a plurality of input keys of theapparatus; incrementing the count if no actuation of any input key issensed; determining if said count exceeds a first predetermined number;and terminating power supply at least to the transmitter if said countexceeds said first predetermined number..]..[.53. The method claim ofclaim 52 further comprising the steps or determining if the countexceeds a second predetermined number and alerting a user of theapparatus if the count exceeds the second predetermined number..]..[.54.A method of terminating power for use in a radio telephone apparatuswith a transmitter, comprising the steps of:sensing an actuation of anyinput key of a plurality of input keys of the apparatus; starting themeasurement of time each time said actuation of a key is sensed;determining if the measured time exceeds a first predetermined timeperiod; terminating power supply at least to a transmitter if themeasured time exceeds said first predetermined time period..]..[.55. Themethod of claim 54 further comprising the steps of determining if themeasured time exceeds a second predetermined time period and alerting auser of the apparatus if the measured time exceeds said secondpredetermined time period..]..Iadd.56. Radio telephone apparatuscomprising:transmitting means for transmitting signals; receiving meansfor receiving signals; key input means for inputting a firstpredetermined count value corresponding to a first predetermined timeperiod; power supply means for supply the transmitting means and thereceiving means with power; counting means for counting passage of time;and, power supply control means for controlling the power supply meansso as to terminate power to at least of the transmitting means and thereceiving means when the passage of time counted by the counting meansexceeds the first predetermined time period, the termination of powersupply being postponed if a user's operation is performed within thefirst predetermined time period. .Iaddend..Iadd.57. The apparatus ofclaim 56 further comprising alerting means for alerting a user of theapparatus, and wherein the key input means is also for inputting asecond predetermined count value corresponding to a second predeterminedtime period, and the alerting means alerts the user when the passage oftime counted by the counting means exceeds the second predetermined timeperiod. .Iaddend..Iadd.58. Radio telephone apparatus comprising:atransmitter for transmitting signals; a receiver for receiving signals;key input means having keys responsive to a user's actuation forinputting a command data associated with the operation of at least oneof the transmitter and the receiver and for inputting a firstpredetermined count value corresponding to a first predetermined timeperiod; a power supply for supplying the transmitter and the receiverwith electric power; a counter for counting passage of time from thetime when an operation responsive to the user's actuation of the keyinput means is performed; and, a power supply controller for controllerfor controlling the power supply to terminate electric power to at leastone of the transmitter and the receiver when the passage of time countedby the counter exceeds the first predetermined time period..Iaddend..Iadd.59. The apparatus of claim 58 further comprising alertingmeans for alerting a user of the apparatus and wherein the key inputmeans is also for inputting a second predetermined time period and thealerting means alerts the user when the passage of time counted by thecounter exceeds the second predetermined time period. .Iaddend..Iadd.60.A radio telephone apparatus for communicating over a radio linkcomprising:transmitting means for transmitting signals over the radiolink; receiving means for receiving signals transmitted over the radiolink; switch means responsive to a user's operation for terminating theradio link; key input means for inputting a count value corresponding toa first predetermined time period; counting means for counting passageof time from a time when the switch means is operated lastly; powersupply means for supplying the transmitting means and the receivingmeans with power; and, power supply control means for controlling thepower supply means so as to terminate power supply to at least one ofthe transmitting means and the receiving means from the power supplymeans when the passage of time counted by the counting means exceeds thefirst predetermined time period. .Iaddend..Iadd.61. The apparatus ofclaim 60 wherein the switch means is a hook switch. .Iaddend..Iadd.62. Amethod of terminating power for use in a radio telephone apparatus witha transmitter and an input means comprising keys, the method comprisingthe steps of: setting a first count value corresponding to a firstpredetermined time period by operating the input means; sensing anactuation of any key of the input means associated with the operation ofthe transmitter; starting the count of time when each actuation of anyof the input keys is sensed; determining if the counted time exceeds thefirst predetermined time period; and terminating power supply to atleast the transmitter if the counted time exceeds the firstpredetermined time period. .Iaddend..Iadd.63. The method of claim 62further comprising the steps of:setting a second count valuecorresponding to a second predetermined time period; determining if thecounted time exceeds the second predetermined time period; and alertinga user of the apparatus if the counted time exceeds the secondpredetermined time period. .Iaddend..Iadd.64. The apparatus of claim 56wherein the key input means has numeral keys and function keys..Iaddend..Iadd.65. The apparatus of claim 58 wherein the key input meanshas numeral keys and function keys. .Iaddend..Iadd.66. The apparatus ofclaim 57 wherein the first predetermined time period and the secondpredetermined time period have different values. .Iaddend..Iadd.67. Theapparatus of claim 59 wherein the first predetermined time period andthe second predetermined time period have different values..Iaddend..Iadd.68. The method of claim 63 wherein the firstpredetermined time period and the second predetermined time period havedifferent values. .Iaddend..Iadd. A radio telephone apparatuscomprising:a transmitter for transmitting signals; a receiver forreceiving signals; a switch; power supply means, responsive to actuationof said switch, for supplying power to said transmitter and saidreceiver; time measuring means for measuring time passage when saidswitch is actuated; periodic sensing means for periodically sensingactuation of one of a plurality of key inputs; power supply controllerfor controlling said power supply means to terminate power supplied toat least one of said transmitter and said receiver when said sensingmeans fails to sense actuation of one of the plurality of key inputs andthe time passage exceeds a predetermined time period. .Iaddend..Iadd.70.The radio telephone apparatus according to claim 69 wherein when saidsensing means senses actuation of one of the plurality of key inputsprior to the time passage exceeding the predetermined time period, saidtime measuring means restarts measuring time passage. .Iaddend..Iadd.71.Power terminating apparatus for use with a radio telephone comprising: aswitch; power supply means, responsive to actuation of said switch, forsupplying power to said radiotelephone apparatus; time measuring meansfor measuring time passage when said switch is actuated; periodicsensing means for periodically sensing actuation of one of a pluralityof key inputs; and power supply controller for controlling said powersupply means to terminate power supplied to at least a portion of saidradiotelephone apparatus when said sensing means fails to senseactuation of one of the plurality of key inputs and the time passageexceeds a predetermined time period. .Iaddend..Iadd.72. The powerterminating apparatus according to claim 71 wherein when said sensingmeans senses actuation of one of the plurality of key inputs prior tothe time passage exceeding the predetermined time period, said timemeasuring means restarts measuring time passage. .Iaddend..Iadd.73.Radio telephone apparatus comprising;transmitting means for transmittingsignals; receiving means for receiving signals; setting means forsetting a predetermined count value corresponding to a predeterminedtime period; memory means coupled to said setting means for storing thepredetermined count value set by said setting means; power supply meansfor supplying said transmitting means and said receiving means withelectric power; counting means for counting passage of time; powersupply control means for controlling said power supply means so as toterminate power supply to at least one of said transmitting means andsaid receiving means when a count value counted by said counting meansexceeds the predetermined count value; and wherein said setting meanscomprises a plurality of keys and the passage of time counted by saidcounting means is reset when any of said keys of said setting means isoperated. .Iaddend..Iadd.74. The apparatus of claim 73 wherein thepassage of time counted by said counting means is reset to zero when aswitch for terminating an established radio link is operated..Iaddend..Iadd.75. The apparatus of claim 73 wherein said setting meanshas numeral keys and function keys. .Iaddend.